Methods, systems, and products for selective broadcast enhancement

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for selective broadcast enhancement. A registration request includes a randomly selected a generic access number (GAN) and a hardware serial number (HSN). A registration response comprising the randomly-selected generic access number (GAN), a broadcast access number (BAN), and an identification of a radio channel. A broadcast is sent or received over the radio channel with the broadcast including data associated with the BAN. The radio channel is then monitored for communications traffic.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/921,272, filed Aug. 1, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,089,003 andincorporated herein by reference. This application also claims priorityto and the benefit of the prior filed co-pending and commonly ownedprovisional patent application entitled “Selective BroadcastEnhancement”, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office onAug. 1, 2000, assigned application Ser. No. 60/222,157, and incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application generally relates to communications, and particularlyrelates to the broadcast of data to wireless devices in a wirelessnetwork.

BACKGROUND

The term “wireless” is an old-fashioned word for the appliance wecommonly today call the “radio”. A radio was called a “wireless” becausethe signals received and broadcast by the radio were delivered withoutthe use of wires. Today, the term “wireless” is still used in connectionwith communications devices. But today, the use of the term “wirelessdevice” has expanded and may be used in connection with almost anydevice that receives data and/or voice communications without the use ofwires such as through the use of a radio modem.

Wireless devices may include familiar personal communications devicessuch as mobile telephones, pagers, and personal digital assistants(PDAs). Wireless devices also may include less familiar datacommunications devices. These less familiar devices may be associatedwith terminal devices so as to bring communications features andfunctions to the terminal devices. The terminal devices may befixed-site devices, so called because the devices are generally notmobile, but rather, fixed at a certain location. For example, a set-topbox associated with a television may be considered a fixed-site deviceand may include a wireless device for receipt of data related totelevision programming or control.

Other examples of fixed-site devices that may have wireless devicesinclude devices that make use of telemetry applications. These devicesmay include burglar/fire/emergency alarms, vending machines, utility orother meters, timers, clocking mechanisms, asset tracking systems, andother equipment. Additional examples of fixed-site devices that may havewireless devices include information systems or hubs and relatedelements that make use of the Bluetooth system. Information about theBluetooth system may be obtained from the Bluetooth Special InterestGroup (SIG) and the Bluetooth Web site: http://www.bluetooth.com.Further examples of fixed-site devices that may have wireless devicesinclude Home RF devices and appliances. Advantageously, data may be sentover a wireless network to Home RF devices and appliances. The data mayinclude warranty, diagnostic, service or other information. For brevity,a fixed-site device that is or may be associated with a wireless deviceis referred to herein as fixed-site wireless device.

Wireless devices, including fixed-site wireless devices, generallyoperate on a wireless network or system and are provided with servicesby one or more service providers. The network provider may also be, butdoes not have to be, a service provider.

An example of a well known wireless data communications network is theMobitex network. The infrastructure of a basic Mobitex network typicallyincludes a network control center (NCC), national switches, localswitches, and base stations that communicate with wireless devices. TheMobitex network allows the wireless devices to communicate with otherdevices, elements, services, and platforms, and to communicate overother networks such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks(WANs), other wireless networks, the public switched telecommunicationsnetwork (PSTN), and the Internet. Additional information regarding theMobitex network may be obtained from the Mobitex InterfaceSpecification, Ericsson Mobile Data Design AB, Gothenburg, Sweden.

To facilitate communications, each wireless device may be assigned aunique network address (UNA) or other identifier. For example, awireless device such as a mobile telephone may be assigned a mobilenumber as its UNA. To reach a person associated with the mobiletelephone, a caller dials the mobile number. On the basis of the mobilenumber, the call is routed through the appropriate network(s) to themobile telephone. In the Mobitex network, numbers may be assigned towireless devices, and the numbers are referred to as Mobitex AccessNumbers (MANs). The Mobitex network generally keeps track of the MANsand their respective wireless devices so that communications may beappropriately routed, subscribers may be properly billed, etc.

An advantage of the assignment of a UNA or other identifier to eachwireless device in the network is that data or a communication may bedirectly and exclusively routed to that wireless device by using the UNAor other identifier as a type of address or locator. A disadvantage ofthe assignment is that the individual transmission of data to each ofthe wireless devices in the network may cause the network and radiochannel to become over-utilized, thereby creating congestion and slowresponse in the system. Another disadvantage of the assignment is thatthe use of a large number of wireless devices may easily consume thelimited number of UNAs or other identifiers set up for use by thewireless network or other entity. Consumption of all of the UNAs orother identifiers poses problems to the continuing operation andexpansion of the wireless network.

As mentioned above, a wireless device may be a mobile device (such as amobile telephone, pager, or PDA), or may be a fixed-site device (such asa set-top box, vending machine, emergency alarm, appliance or other).Besides their relative mobility or lack thereof, there is at leastanother typical difference between a “mobile” wireless device and a“fixed-site” wireless device. Generally, a fixed-site wireless deviceengages only infrequently in communications. For example, a set-top boxmay periodically receive data from a service provider such as a monthlyupdate of television programming. Occasionally, the set-top box mayinitiate a communication with the service provider such as to pass on arequest received from a user for a pay-per-view program. In contrast,the purpose of most mobile wireless devices is to facilitate regular,and sometimes continuous, communications.

The difference in the relative frequency of communications by fixed-sitewireless devices versus mobile wireless devices has been noted andreviewed for purposes of improving and advancing wireless technology. Inthe review of the differences between the fixed-site vs. mobile wirelessdevices, the use and assignment of UNAs or other identifiers to wirelessdevices has come under scrutiny. As noted above, there are advantagesand disadvantages to the assignment of UNAs or other identifiers towireless devices.

Specifically, with respect to the Mobitex network, the problem of theassignment of UNAs or other identifiers has been noted and a differentsystem has been proposed so that UNAs or other identifiers may beassigned to wireless devices in a controlled way, and so that, interalia, UNAs and other identifiers may be reclaimed and recycled asnecessary. This different system is referred to as the “wirelesssubscription management” (WSM) system (also referred to as the “wirelessmanagement” system.) As part of its review of assignment problems, theWSM system noted the infrequent communications of fixed-site wirelessdevices as compared to other wireless devices. This notice led, at leastin part, to the invention of the WSM system regarding the assignment ofMANs. The WSM system is based on the premise that the assignment of MANsto fixed-site wireless devices and associated record keeping activitiesconstitute actions that are unnecessary. As a result of beingunnecessary, the assignment and associated record keeping activitiesunnecessarily burden network infrastructure and resources by, interalia, over-utilization of the network and radio channel, therebycreating congestion and slow responses in the network.

The WSM system has been developed to manage some aspects of MANs andwireless devices in the Mobitex and other networks. The WSM system andrelated systems and methods are described more fully in the followingpreviously filed, and commonly owned patent applications, which areincorporated herein by reference:

-   -   Wireless Management System, U.S. Ser. No. 08/963,446, filed on        Nov. 3, 1997.    -   Wireless Subscription Management with Dynamic Allocation of        Unique Network Addresses, U.S. Ser. No. 09/722,316, filed on        Nov. 28^(th), 2000.    -   Market Research Using Wireless Subscription Management, U.S.        Ser. No. 09/749,836, filed on Dec. 28^(th), 2000.    -   Network Traffic Analyzer, U.S. Ser. No. 11/202,780, filed on        8/12/2005, (inventors: Howard W. Fingerhut, Jeffrey D.        Kashinsky, and Brian D. Kling).

Advantageously, the WSM system does not assign a unique number address(UNA) or MAN to a fixed-site wireless device. By avoiding suchassignments, the WSM system avoids the pitfalls associated with theassignments and the associated record keeping activities. On the otherhand, as a result of failing to assign a UNA or MAN to each fixed-sitewireless device, the WSM system does not have information on thelocation of each of the fixed-site wireless devices in the system. Inother words, the WSM system does not have an address for each of thedevices. Without an address for a specific fixed-site wireless device,data or a communication cannot be routed directly to that specificdevice without other actions. The ability to pinpoint a specific deviceor a group including a small number of devices is lost without furthermeasures being taken to locate the specific device or the group ofdevices.

As noted immediately above, the WSM system addresses the problem in theMobitex (and similar networks) of the assignment of MANs and associatedrecord keeping. Another solution to the assignment problem may be foundwithin the Mobitex network. This other solution makes use of theinherent broadcast capabilities of the Mobitex network. The broadcastfunctionality of the Mobitex network can be used to send the sameinformation from a number of base stations to multiple devices. Thebroadcast functionality of the Mobitex network generally matches theneeds of the service providers providing the telemetry applicationsinvolving the fixed-site wireless devices. In these telemetryapplications, generally, the same data is typically downloaded to thefixed-site wireless devices, and such download is relatively infrequentand generally does not have to be a real-time download or a criticaldownload.

In the solution offered by the broadcast functionality of the Mobitexnetwork, the fixed-site wireless device is not assigned a MAN or otherunique network address (UNA). Without a MAN (or other UNA) assigned to awireless device, the network is unaware of the location of the device.In effect, the network does not know the “address” of the wirelessdevice at least for communications purposes.

The proposed broadcast solution has advantages. By the proposedsolution, the data is delivered to the fixed-site wireless units. Alsoby the proposed solution, the record-keeping and other activitiesrelated to the assignment of MANs (or other unique network addresses) tofixed-site wireless devices are avoided. By avoiding the assignment ofMANs, network infrastructure and other resources are conserved. Inaddition, over-utilization of the network and radio channel, congestion,and slow response of the system may be avoided.

But the proposed solution has disadvantages. One disadvantage is thelimited geographical area of the broadcast. Another disadvantage is theadministrative overhead and other problems that may be generated throughthe use of the broadcast feature. Both of these disadvantages areexplained below. Yet another disadvantage, as mentioned above inconnection with the WSM system, is the lack of an address or otheridentifier for a specific fixed-site wireless unit, which precludesdirect and exclusive communication with that unit.

As noted, a disadvantage of the proposed solution of broadcasting thedata to the fixed-site wireless devices is the limited geographical areathat is reached by the broadcast. In the Mobitex network, for example, abroadcast can only be sent over a maximum of eight base stations. Dataintended for fixed-site wireless devices distributed in a geographicalarea greater than served by the eight base stations can only bedelivered through repeats (in groups of eight) of the broadcast over theappropriate base stations in the network.

Also as noted, another disadvantage is the administrative overhead andother problems that may be generated through the use of the broadcastfeature. Even though some network infrastructure and other resources maybe conserved by failing to assign unique MANs to fixed-site wirelessdevices, other network infrastructure and other resources may be wasted.For example, in the Mobitex network, for a fixed-site wireless device toreceive a broadcast, the device must be registered as a groupsubscription and must use a group MAN. Even though the assignment ofunique MANs is avoided, the use of the Mobitex broadcast feature stillrequires assignment of at least group MANs and the associatedrecord-keeping and other activities. A group subscription must beassociated with a number of base stations (no more than eight), so thebroadcast may be made from those predefined base stations.

Additionally, local switches (commonly referred to as MOXs) that haveinferior connections to those predefined base stations must containappropriate information such as information in their node databases. Anychanges to the information, to the local switches, or the addition ordeletion of local switches (and other elements) require synchronizationof the appropriate data and elements between the local switches and thenetwork such as synchronization with the network subscription database.The synchronization and related activities generate administrativeoverhead, and may lead to congestion and slow down in the network.

In sum, a wireless network is capable of delivering data to a fixed-sitewireless device through use of a unique address or identifier of thedevice known as a UNA (or MAN in the Mobitex network). The assignment ofUNAs and MANs to fixed-site wireless devices, however, is viewed asproblematic and as burdensome to the wireless network.

The assignment problems have been addressed in proposed solutions. Yet,the proposed solutions have pitfalls. In proposed solutions that do notassign a UNA or a MAN to a fixed-site wireless device, the wirelessnetwork does not have address or other location information to routedata and communications directly and exclusively to the device. Inproposed solutions that use the broadcast functionality of a widenetwork, the limitations of the broadcast functionality provide otherobstacles such as the limited geographical area served by the broadcastfunctionality and such as the assignment of group identifiers and otherrecord keeping activities necessary to implement the broadcastfunctionality.

Accordingly, there is a need for methods and systems that address thedisadvantages of the assignment of UNAs and MANs to fixed-site wirelessdevices in wireless networks by avoiding such assignment. There is aneed for methods and systems that make use of the advantages presentedby the broadcast functionality of wireless networks in delivering dataand communications to fixed-site wireless devices without the need forassignment of UNAs and MANs. There is a need for methods and systemsthat make use of the advantages of the broadcast functionality ofwireless networks to avoid the disadvantages and problems presented bythat broadcast functionality.

Finally, the use of wireless devices and wireless technology isincreasing. The methods and systems offered in response to theabove-described problems must take into account this increase. Theincrease in wireless use may not allow for broadcast functionality of awireless network to be implemented even in lulls in communicationstraffic. There may be problems posed by data or communications that arediscarded or otherwise not delivered due to wireless traffic. Thus,there is a need for methods and systems that address the issuespresented by increasing wireless use, and specifically the possibilityof discarded or otherwise undelivered data.

SUMMARY

The inventions of this application operate in a wireless environment toefficiently distribute and deliver non-real-time, critical information(with “discard eligibility”) in a broadcast fashion via selected (groupsof) base stations. Advantageously, the inventions avoid the pitfallsposed by the assignments of UNAs and MANs to fixed-site wireless devicesby generally not making such assignments. In addition, the inventionstake advantage of the broadcast functionality of wireless networks. Yet,the inventions may be implemented without unnecessary broadcasting orover-broadcasting, which would burden network infrastructure andresources. Further, the inventions may include features that allow fortransmission and exchange of data and communications to and withtargeted fixed-site wireless devices. Also, the inventions may includefeatures that increase the efficiency and efficacy of data transmissionto fixed-site wireless devices by grooming such devices to receive orparticipate in communication exchanges on select frequencies orchannels.

In addition, the inventions of this application may include embodimentsthat provide for interactive transaction-oriented or session-orientedinformation exchanges of a limited duration. During such interactiveinformation exchanges, a “short-lived” unique access number (UAN) orunique Mobitex access number (UMAN) is assigned to a wireless deviceupon registration. At the end of the “short-lived” period, the UAN orUMAN is reclaimed, and may be recycled.

Stated generally, the inventions include exemplary embodiments that mayoperate as follows. A wireless device is provisioned with at least ahardware (or manufacturer's) serial number (HSN) and generic accessnumbers (GANs). At some point, the wireless device may be prompted toregister with a service provider or other entity. The wireless devicerandomly selects a GAN to use in registration and transmits the GAN aswell as its HSN to the service provider. The service provider assignsand transmits a broadcast access number (BAN) to the device. The deviceuses the BAN to access data from a broadcast from the service provider.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment and exemplary architectureas may be used in implementing exemplary embodiments of the inventions.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary message flow during registration of awireless device with a service provider or other entity.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of message flow for an exemplaryinformation broadcast.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of message flow during a transactionexchange initiated by a wireless device.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of message flow during a transactionexchange initiated by a service provider.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate data packets as may be used in exemplaryembodiments of the inventions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventions of this application operate in a wireless environment toefficiently distribute and deliver non-real-time, critical information(with “discard eligibility”) in a broadcast fashion via selected (groupsof) base stations. Advantageously, the inventions avoid the pitfallsposed by the assignments of UNAs and MANs to fixed-site wireless devicesby generally not making such assignments. In addition, the inventionstake advantage of the broadcast functionality of wireless networks. Yet,the inventions may be implemented without unnecessary broadcasting orover-broadcasting, which would burden network infrastructure andresources. Further, the inventions may include features that allow fortransmission and exchange of data and communications to and withtargeted fixed-site wireless devices. Also, the inventions may includefeatures that increase the efficiency and efficacy of data transmissionto fixed-site wireless devices by grooming such devices to receive orparticipate in communication exchanges on select frequencies orchannels.

In addition, the inventions of this application may include embodimentsthat provide for interactive transaction-oriented or session-orientedinformation exchanges of a limited duration. During such interactiveinformation exchanges, a “short-lived” unique access number (UAN) orunique Mobitex access number (UMAN) is assigned to a wireless deviceupon registration. At the end of the “short-lived” period, the UAN orUMAN is reclaimed, and may be recycled.

Stated generally, the inventions include exemplary embodiments that mayoperate as follows. A wireless device is provisioned with at least ahardware (or manufacturer's) serial number (HSN) and generic accessnumbers (GANs). At some point, the wireless device may be prompted toregister with a service provider or other entity. The wireless devicerandomly selects a GAN to use in registration and transmits the GAN aswell as its HSN to the service provider. The service provider assignsand transmits a broadcast access number (BAN) to the device. The deviceuses the BAN to access data from a broadcast from the service provider.The inventions include other features and functions as described belowin connection with the exemplary embodiments.

An Exemplary Environment and Exemplary Architecture—FIG. 1

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment and exemplary architectureas may be used to facilitate the broadcast of information to selectwireless devices.

The Back-Office System (BOS) 12 includes traditional features andfunctions useful and/or necessary to implementation of a wirelesscommunications network such as traffic log collection, processing, andbilling generation. The BOS includes interfaces or otherwise mayinteract with at least the following elements of the environment: theactivation gateway 14, the network 18, the network control center 20,and the message server 22.

The activation gateway generally handles all communications betweenwireless devices through the network 18 and to the message server 22.For example, the activation gateway 14 includes features and functionsto handle activation, deactivation and swap, and to supportcommunication protocol with the message server 22. The activationgateway 14 supports the use of broadcast access numbers (BANs or BMANs).The activation gateway 14 also provides a node address of a base stationto the message server 22 when appropriate such as in the case of theexchange and transmission of Activation Requests and/or AuthorizationRequests.

Further, the activation gateway 14 may be involved in transactionoriented and session oriented information exchanges as provided by someembodiments of the present inventions. For example, when a sessionoriented communication is needed between a wireless device and a serviceprovider, then the activation gateway 14 handles the activation requestsand authorization requests, if necessary, and assigns a short-livedunique access number (UAN) or unique Mobitex access number (UMAN). Theactivation gateway 14 may be able to deactivate and reclaim theshort-lived UAN or UMAN.

Finally, the activation gateway 14 interfaces with or otherwisecommunicates with the back-office system 12, the network 18, and themessage server 22.

The Traffic Analysis or Analyzer (TRANAL) 16 provides information onbase station utilization (e.g. in histogram form) to the scheduler 24,and as appropriate, to the network control center 20. The utilizationinformation is used so as to allow broadcasts to the wireless devices tobe made during lull periods or non-busy times of the appropriate basestations. The TRANAL 16 may supply the utilization periodically or onrequest. Further, the TRANAL 16 may include features so as to be able toprovide current or real-time information on utilization conditions andcongestion state of the base stations, and specifically, the broadcastbase stations.

The network 18 is a wireless data communications network that may haveconnections to other networks as well as the connections illustrated inFIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiments, the network 18 is a Mobitexnetwork that has been enhanced to operate with the wireless subscriptionmanagement (WSM) system. In addition, the Mobitex network may beenhanced so as to be capable of receiving messages (including broadcastmessages) from elements in addition to the activation gateway 14. Forexample, the Mobitex network may be enhanced to receive broadcastmessages from special network operator specified hosts.

The network 18 also may differ from other wireless networks with respectto the number of broadcasts or broadcast messages made pursuant to anordinary group broadcast function and base station downlinkretransmissions. A special MAX_REP parameter may be defined so as to becommon to all broadcasts or broadcast messages. However, each broadcastmay carry its own MAX_REP.

The message server 22 includes the functionalities of certain elementsin the wireless subscriber management (WSM) system. For example, themessage server 22 may include the functionality of the serviceassignment server (SAS) and the third-party authorization gateway (TAG)of the WSM system.

In addition, the message server 22 may include the following interfaces:

-   -   Interface with the activation gateway 14    -   Interface with the back-office system 12 at least for billing        information    -   Interface with the scheduler 24 for scheduling the        “time-to-broadcast” (and may include an alarm feed in case of        network congestion)    -   Interface with a service provider's transaction exchange        interface 26 or with the service provider's transaction exchange    -   Interface with a service provider's source generation interface        28 or with the service provider's source generation (at least        for instructions and messages from the service provider)    -   Interface with the network 18 using Network Gateway Interface        (NGI) functions and operate as an NGI host with a direct        connection to the network 18

In addition, the message server 22 processes service registration andre-registration requests (either randomly distributed, or for specificdevices) from the wireless devices. In response to the requests, themessage server 22 may be able to inform wireless devices whetherbroadcast services are available.

The message server 22 may maintain a database (not illustrated) to keeptrack of the use of broadcast access numbers (BAN) (BMANs in the Mobitexnetwork). Each BAN or BMAN may include the following data structure:individual device identity (e.g., MSN, HSN and possibly UMAN);associated base station identification (ID); associated MAX_REPparameter; and associated service provider IDs.

The message server 22 may store other information in the databasementioned above or in a separate database. The other information mayinclude geo-codes for base stations for use in the following situations.During service registration, a list of neighboring base stations, thatmight be used to carry broadcast information may be sent to a wirelessdevice. Also, a service provider may instruct the message server tocause information to be broadcast in specific geo-coded areas.

Further, the message server 22 may maintain a log to keep track of thetime and location of broadcast messages. A similar log may be maintainedby the scheduler 24, and the two logs can be compared for audit or otherpurposes.

The message server 22 also may provide and/or support sequencing andtransport mechanisms to ensure delivery of long messages. Of course, themessage server 22 supports the broadcast protocol and processes asdescribed herein including support of packet type messages.

In addition to causing the broadcast of messages with sequence numbers,the message server 22 may be capable of requesting packet receiptverification from specific wireless devices. The verification ensuresthe packets were broadcast. If the specified messages were not received,the message server 22 may cause the re-broadcast of the appropriatemessages.

In some situations, the message server 22 may have the capability ofdisabling specific wireless devices. For example, the message server 22can terminate services for subscriptions that are not met using theservice in a manner it was intended to be used (i.e., causing congestionor unfair consumption of network resources). The message server 22 maybe able to restart such disabled wireless devices.

The message server 22 is designed with redundancy and fail-overmechanisms. The message server 22 includes alert and maintenancecapability. For example, when the message server 22 reaches fullcapacity or loses power, the message server 22 alerts or notifiesoperation personnel.

Advantageously, the message server 22 has the capability of causing thebroadcast of fleet re-registration requests. With this capability, there-grooming of the fleet for traffic loading is possible.

The scheduler 24 determines when messages are to be broadcast. Thescheduler 24 interfaces to the message server 22 and to the TRANAL 16.When the message server 22 has a message to broadcast to wirelessdevices on selective base stations, the message server 22 sends aninquiry to the scheduler 24 to determine the schedule for sending themessage on the selected base stations. The scheduler 24 requests andreceives traffic statistics on those selected base stations from TRANAL16 such as in a histogram. By comparing the base station utiliza6tionthrough the data and transmission throughput (in packets per minute),the scheduler 24 determines when messages can be broadcast.

In addition, the scheduler 24 interacts with the TRANAL 16 or thenetwork control center 20 to request and obtain continuous,near-real-time information on the current state of utilization andcongestion of the broadcast base stations. If the information indicatesthat a base station or the network may experience congestion or resourceover-utilization, the scheduler 24 may instruct the message server 22 tosuspend message transmission.

The scheduler 24 may maintain a database (not illustrated) to keep trackof when and where broadcast messages are sent. The information in thedatabase may be compared to information stored elsewhere such as in adatabase in the message server 22.

Finally, the scheduler 24 is designed with redundancy and fail-overmechanisms. The scheduler also has alert and maintenance capability.

As noted above, the transaction exchange interface 26 interfaces themessage server 22 with the transaction exchange (generally associatedwith a server of the service provider)(not illustrated). The interface26 may include the functionality to process requests fortransaction-oriented information exchange. Even though only oneinterface 26 is illustrated, others may be included and the others mayconnect to the same transaction exchange or different transactionexchanges.

Also as noted above, the source generation interface 28 interfaces themessage server 22 with the source generation (generally associated witha server of the service provider)(not illustrated). The interface 28 maygenerate broadcast messages to all of the wireless devices in the fleetor one or more fleet members. The messages may contain the followinginformation:

-   -   Message identification (MID)—coded with the serial number and        current date information (the MID is reset to zero at the        beginning of each day)    -   Broadcast geo code (BZC)—contains specific geo codes for desired        broadcast areas    -   Priority code—a priority code for a broadcast message may range        from 0-255 where 255 represents the highest priority    -   Discard eligible time (DET)—indicates the life of the message.        The message time-to-live can be sent in one minute increments        from five minutes to 65,535 minutes to enable scheduling within        a 45.5 day window. If a message cannot be broadcast within the        DET, then the message may be discarded and the source generation        (service provider) is notified. The DET may be set to zero to        indicate that the message cannot be retried. For example, if the        first attempt to send a broadcast message fails (due to        congestion or otherwise), then the message is discarded        immediately. Transmission attempts may be made before the DET        expires, as the conditions allow.    -   Status code—a message may have the following status: (1)        outbound broadcast message (OBM); (2) outbound point-to-point        message (OPM); (3) inbound point-to-point message (IPM); (4)        outbound control message (OCM); (5) inbound control message        (ICM); and (6) message discard notification (MDN).    -   Error code—a message may contain the following error code: (1)        DET expiration; (2) system congestion (“system here includes the        network 18, the activation gateway 14, and the message server        22); (3) system error; (4) billing error; and (5) subscriber        unreachable.    -   Maximum retry—indicates the maximum number of transmission        attempts to be made before the DET expires, as the conditions        allow.

In addition, the interface 28 may receive a notification from themessage server 22 indicating that specific messages have been discarded.The source generation determines whether or not the discarded messagesshould be transmitted.

The wireless device 30 in FIG. 1 is illustrated as a set-top box, butany wireless device such as described in the background may be included.The wireless device 30 generally must be able to handle activation,deactivation and swap. In addition, the wireless devices 30 may includethe following capabilities:

-   -   Handling of broadcast and point-to-point message either        individually or simultaneously    -   Handling of different access numbers such as GANs, BMANs, and        UMANs    -   Handling of multiple BMANs for different broadcasting services    -   Erasing of an UMAN when it expires    -   Handling of service registration and re-registration    -   Measuring of RSSIs of radio channels upon request    -   Roaming to different radio channels upon request    -   Handling of transaction-oriented information exchange    -   Handling of session-oriented information exchange    -   Handling of transport mechanism and reassembly of long messages    -   Allow handling of personal and credit information

In the inventions of this application, a wireless device 30distinguishes between a broadcast message and a point-to-point message.In a broadcast message, the MSN/HSN field contains zero. If the MSN/HSNfield of a message has a non-zero value, the wireless device 30determines if the value matches its MSN/HSN. If the values match, thewireless device 30 treats the message as a point-to-point message. Ifthe values do not match, the wireless device 30 ignores the message.

Further, a broadcast message may have data content that instructs thewireless device 30 to perform in a special way, which may include toestablishing a point-to-point communication with some host orapplication server.

Element 32 in FIG. 1 represents a base station or other device thatbroadcasts the messages from the wireless network 18 to wireless devicessuch as device 30.

The session exchange host (SXH) 34 is a host server that connects to thenetwork 18 in a conventional way (i.e., , X.25 or IP). The SXH allowsthe wireless device 30 to perform session-oriented information exchange.The wireless device 30 obtains a UMAN before the device initiates asession exchange. The network 18 uses a standard packet routingmechanism to route packets between the wireless device 30 and the SXH34, as long as a correct UMAN and host MAN are used.

Exemplary Registration of a Wireless Device—FIG. 2

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary message flow during registration of awireless device 30 with a service provider or other entity. Generally,the wireless device 30 registers after it has been commissioned, or atother times, such as when prompted by the service provider or otherentity. For example, see the discussion in the following sectionregarding service re-registration.

The wireless device 30 begins the registration process by sending aservice registration (or activation) request. The service registrationrequest includes the hardware serial number (HSN) (and/or themanufacturer's serial number (MSN) of the wireless device 30. Theservice registration request also includes a generic access number (GAN)randomly selected by the wireless device 30 from GANs provisioned in thedevice at time of manufacture or at other times. In the Mobitex networkand the wireless subscription management (WSM) system, a special rangeof terminal Mobitex Access Numbers (MANs) 32-127 has been reserved forvarious purposes. For example, sixteen generic MANs 32-47 are used bythe WSM system for over-the-air activation/deactivation. For selectivebroadcasting of information as implemented by exemplary embodiments ofthe inventions described in this application, sixteen Mans 112-127 areused as Broadcast MANs (BMANs) or Broadcast Access Numbers (BANs).

As indicated by arrow 50 in FIG. 2, the wireless device 30 transmits theservice registration request through the network 18 to the activationgateway 14. As indicated by arrow 52, in response to the serviceregistration request, the activation gateway 14 transmits anauthorization request. In some embodiments, it may be necessary that theservice registration request and/or the authorization request indicatewhether the request is an initial or original request. The activationgateway 14 may provide an indication in the authorization request thatthe request is an initial or original request. The indication may beprovided by inclusion of a selected value in a field of theauthorization request or otherwise. For example, the value of a controlcode field may be set to a selected value to provide the indication.

In addition, the activation gateway 14 may include specific informationrelated to the wireless unit 30 in the authorization request. Theauthorization request may include the node address of a base stationserving the wireless unit making the request. The node address issupplied to the message server so the message server can update itsrecords by associating the wireless device with the serving basestation.

As indicated by arrow 52, the activation gateway 14 transmits theauthorization request to the message server 22.

In some embodiments, it may be necessary that the service registrationrequest or the authorization request be a “final” request prior to themessage server 22 processing the registration of the wireless device 30.If the request is not “final”, then the message server 22 may respondthrough the activation gateway 14 and the network 18 to the wirelessdevice 30 as to bring about a final request by the wireless device 30. Afinal request relates to a wireless unit being served by a base stationor radio channel operating in broadcast mode. The message server 22 maybe provided with information (or otherwise obtain the information) as towhether or not the base station or radio channel is operating inbroadcast mode, and/or as to whether the request is a final request. Forexample, the information about the finality of the request may becontained in a field such as the control code field of the authorizationrequest. As another example, the message server may make aself-determination as to the finality of the request.

The following discussion relating to arrows 54, 56, 58, 60, and 62describes the process when the base station or radio channel is NOToperating in broadcast mode (or if the authorization request otherwiseis not final). If the base station or radio channel is operating inbroadcast mode, then the process may skip so as to continue with theactions described below in association with arrow 64 and thereafter.

When the base station or radio channel is NOT operating in broadcastmode (or if the authorization request otherwise is not final), inresponse to receipt of the authorization request from the activationgateway 14, as indicated by arrow 54, the message server 22 sends anauthorization denial to the activation gateway 14. The authorizationdenial may include reference to a “permanent denial”. The authorizationdenial also may include reference to an available radio channel(s) to beused to obtain information broadcast in the serving area of the wirelessunit 30.

Upon receiving the authorization denial, the activation gateway 14reconciles the information into an activation response. In anembodiment, the activation response includes a field for inclusion of anactivation result code. In the embodiment, the activation result code(octet 58) of the activation response contains “permanent denial” (value2). As indicated by arrow 56, the activation gateway 14 transmits theactivation response through the network 18 to the base station servingthe wireless unit 30. The base station broadcasts the information fromthe activation response and includes the GMAN randomly selected by thewireless unit 30.

The wireless unit 30 responds to the broadcast by receiving theactivation response. As indicated by arrow 58, the wireless unit 30measures the signal strength of each of the radio channel(s) provided inthe activation response. This measurement activity may take some timedepending on the number of available channels. If a specific radiochannel cannot be found, an RSSI of zero is recorded for that channel.

As indicated by arrow 60, when the wireless unit 30 has completed itsmeasurements, the wireless device 30 sends a “final” activation request.The final activation request may include information on each availableradio channel as measured by the wireless device 30, and the informationmay include an RSSI for each channel. The final activation request istransmitted to the activation gateway 14.

As indicated by arrow 62, the activation gateway 14 reconciles theinformation from the final activation request into a “final”authorization request. The activation gateway 14 forwards the finalauthorization request to the message server 22.

As indicated by arrow 64, when the message server 22 determines theauthorization request is “final”, then the message server 22 transmits a“final” authorization denial to the activation gateway 14. The finalauthorization denial may include reference to a “final” permanentdenial. In addition, the final authorization denial may include aservice information field. In the service information field, thefollowing information may be included: (1) service status: either“service commissioned” or “service unavailable”; (2) radio channel (alsoreferred to as base station channel number) or zero; and (3) broadcastaccess number (BAN) or no BAN.

If the service status is “service commissioned”, then the radio channelincluded in the service information field is the radio channelbroadcasting the information for the wireless device 30, and the BAN tobe used by the wireless device 30 also is included.

If the service status is “service unavailable”, then in place of a radiochannel, a “zero” or other indicator may be included. Also, no BAN isincluded.

As indicated by arrow 66, the activation gateway 14 receives the finalauthorization denial and reconciles the information into a finalactivation response. The final activation response may include anactivation result code (octet 58) including “permanent denial” (value2). The activation gateway 14 transmits the final activation response tothe base station serving the wireless unit 30. The base stationbroadcasts the final activation response and includes the GMAN randomlyselected by the wireless unit 30.

The wireless unit 30 responds to the broadcast by receiving the finalactivation response. If the final activation response indicates aservice status as “service commissioned”, then the wireless devicecarries out the following actions: switches frequency (radio channel) tomatch the frequency (radio channel) provided in the final activationresponse; enters the broadcast mode; and programs the received BAN suchas by including the BAN in its group list, which may contain up to sevengroup access numbers (GANs) and BANs.

If the final activation response indicates a service status as “serviceunavailable”, then the wireless device 30 stays on its current radiochannel and in the activation mode. The wireless device 30 waits forfurther instructions from the message server 22 such as may be providedin the case of service re-registration (discussed below).

The wireless unit 30 should not roam to a broadcast channel for two-waycommunications. The broadcast channel may not have a correspondingreceive channel or may not be link balanced for data transmission.

Service Re-Registration

Once a wireless unit is registered, it may be required to re-register.The re-registration process follows generally the registration processdescribed above in connection with FIG. 2.

But once a wireless unit is registered, it does not seem like a unitshould have to re-register. Nonetheless, re-registration of a wirelessunit (through a message server) with a service provider or other entitymay be advantageous for many reasons. For example, a broadcast servicemay become available or may become stronger in an area where thewireless device is located. Either of these conditions may occur if thenumber of wireless devices in the area desiring to receive broadcastinformation reaches a pre-defined threshold, and the decision is made tomake the service available or to increase its strength such as by adedicated high power broadcast to the area. As another example, awireless device may be required to re-register if the service provideror the message server needs to send a point-to-point message(s) to thewireless unit. As yet another example, a wireless device may be requiredto re-register if there is reason for an activity or renewal ping.

Service re-registration can be directed to wireless units on a randombasis or to specific wireless units. The message server (or otherentity) may select at random a group of wireless devices and send anInformation Broadcast. The Information Broadcast contains the servicere-registration control code.

With respect to re-registration of specific wireless units, the messageservice (or other entity) may effectively send a re-registrationinstruction or message to the specific devices by including identifiersfor the specific units in the instruction or message. The identifiersmay include the manufacturer's serial numbers or hardware serial numbersof the specific units. An advantageous use of the re-registrationfunction may be made with respect to issues relating to renewal orcontinuance of service to a wireless device.

Information Broadcast—FIG. 3

Advantageously, the present inventions allow for the efficient deliveryof information in a broadcast fashion to selected wireless devices.Given the low priority of the broadcast information with respect toother communications in a wireless network, the broadcast typically isconducted during non-busy periods such as at night. By broadcastingduring non-busy or lull periods, several goals may be achieved. Suchbroadcasting during lull periods keeps traffic loading on the basestations balanced. Also, such broadcasting can generate additionalrevenue through use of base stations during generally under-utilizedperiods.

Even though the broadcast of information generally is to take placeduring non-busy or lull periods, the present inventions allow for thebroadcast of information when a service provider or other entity mayneed the information broadcast. For example, a service provider may needto have information broadcast as soon as network resources permit. Thus,a SEND_NOW instruction may be included as appropriate. Further, eventhough a service provider may need information to be broadcast as soonas network resources permit, circumstances may dictate that theinformation is discarded or other not delivered. Some embodiments of thepresent inventions include a “discard eligibility” feature that relatesto the possibility of discarding or other non-delivery of information.Per the discard eligibility feature, a broadcast may be discarded orotherwise not delivered based on priority of the broadcast with respectto other broadcasts, communications, etc. If the broadcast is discardedor otherwise not delivered, then the service provider is notified of theaction.

Generally, information to be broadcast to a wireless device per thepresent inventions is broadcast through use of the fleet informationbroadcast (FIB) addressed to a broadcast access number (BAN). (Awireless device's acquisition of a BAN is described above in connectionwith FIG. 2.)

The information directed to the wireless device also may be referred toas a payload message. Generally, the payload message is contained indesignated fields. For example, the payload message may be contained inthe service provider information field (octets 32-512). A long payloadmessage may need to be divided into parts and each part sent separately.Thus, a sequencing mechanism for payload messages may be required. Anexemplary sequencing mechanism is discussed below. Any device requiringthe parts of the payload message must be able to reassemble the payloadmessage per the appropriate sequencing mechanism.

An advantage of the present inventions is the conservation of networkinfrastructure and resources through use of only the minimally requiredelements. For example, the present inventions allow for the broadcast ofinformation only on selected base stations or selected groups of basestation. There are various factors that contribute to the selection of abase station(s) or group(s) of base stations for broadcasting ofinformation. A factor in the selection of a base station may be thenumber of devices served by the base station and expecting to receivebroadcasts. Another factor may be the traffic loading at a base station.A busy base station may be selected for broadcasting during lull periodssuch as at night. Yet another factor may be the relative power of a basestation compared to others. A high power base station may be selectedinstead of a lower power base station so as to take into accountwireless devices operating in the greater area served by the high powerbase station.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of message flow for an exemplaryinformation broadcast. Assume a service provider or other source desiresto have information broadcast to wireless devices. The payload messagefor the broadcast may be generated at the service provider or source(collectively referred to as the “source generator” 70). The sourcegenerator 70 creates an information broadcast request (FBR), includesthe payload message and appropriate control information in the FBR, andas indicated by arrow 72, transmits the FBR to the message server 22.

In response to receipt of the FBR, as indicated by arrow 74, the messageserver 22 consults with the scheduler (illustrated and discussed inconnection with FIG. 1) with respect to the timing and other detailsrelated to the broadcast. The scheduler replies with instructionsincluding information such as the times for broadcasts on specific basestations. The broadcast may be made according to the Broadcast Geo Code.Based on the instructions from the scheduler, the message service 22arranges the information so specific broadcast times, base stations,channel numbers are appropriate for the broadcast. The message server 22may use a fleet broadcast request (FBR) for the broadcast. The FBR mayinclude the message identification, session counter, and otherinformation. The message server 22 waits based on the instructionsrelated to the timing and other details from the scheduler.

As indicated by arrow 76, at the appropriate time, the message server 22transmits the FBR to the activation gateway 14. The activation gateway14 reformats the payload message (with the message ID and sessioncounter) into a Fleet Information Broadcast (FIB). The FIB is addressedto a broadcast access number (BAN). The activation gateway 22 thentransmits the FIB through the network 18 to the base stations forbroadcast. The FIB may be transmitted to specific base stations ratherthan all base stations. The base stations transmit the broadcast anumber of times. (In some embodiments, the message server 22 may skipthe transmission to the activation gateway 14 and transmit anappropriate FIB through the network 18 to the base stations serving thewireless devices).

An Exemplary Sequencing Mechanism

A long payload message may have to be divided, routed, and maybe evenbroadcast in parts. To handle such division and subsequent re-assembly,an exemplary sequencing mechanism is described.

As noted above, in the message flow related to the broadcast ofinformation, a Fleet Information Broadcast (FIB) is created by theactivation gateway 14 and transmitted through the network 18 to the basestations making the broadcast. The FIB includes a field referred to asthe service provider information field. Data included in this fieldincludes a three-byte “session counter”. The session counter may includethe following:

-   Two-byte secure number (in binary; 64 K, which can cover more than    thirty-two Mbytes of information)-   One-byte date counter (in binary), which may have the following    format:    -   Bits 0-4: Represent the current calendar date (valid values from        1 to 31)    -   Bit 5: The MORE bit. Indicate if there are more packets to be        received. At the beginning of a broadcast, this bit may be set        to 1 if there are more packed to be received, or set to zero if        there are no more packets to be received. The MORE bit is always        set to zero at the end of a broadcast.    -   Bits 6 and 7: May be reserved for future use.        Throughout a day, the session counter maintains consecutive        sequence numbers between the current and previous broadcast        messages. The sequence number of the session counter changes to        1 when a new day (date) starts.

An example of the use of the sequencing mechanism is now described.Assume there were three broadcasts on June 25, and each broadcast wasMbytes long. Each broadcast required 2,000 FIB packets to be sent(excluding transmissions). At the beginning of the first broadcast, themessage server started the sequence number at 1 and the date counter at25 (or 11001 binary). The MORE bit was set to 1 in all packets of thebroadcasts, except the last one. At the beginning of the secondbroadcast, the message server set the sequence number to start at 2,001.At the end of the second broadcast, the sequence number read 4,000.Similarly, the broadcast should have the sequence number start at 4,001and end at 6,000. At midnight when the date changed to June 26, thesequence number was reset to 1 and the date counter was set to 26 (or11010 binary).

With the above described exemplary sequencing mechanism, a broadcast maybe divided so as to be transmitted in parts with sequence numbers. Yet,a wireless device receiving the broadcast may miss a part or more of thebroadcast. Advantageously, the message server includes functionality toaddress the situation. The message server has the capability to requestthe wireless devices to report whether they have (within that date)received part(s) of a broadcast(s) with specific sequence numbers. AFleet Control Broadcast (FCB) including a specific sequence number(s)can be sent to one or more wireless devices. Each FCB may be addressedto a maximum of sixty-eight wireless devices (as identified bymanufacturer's serial number (MSN) and/or hardware serial number (HSN)).Instructions may be included in the FCB. Upon receipt and processing ofthe FCB, a wireless device may response with a Fleet Control Response(FCR). If the wireless device has not received the part(s) of thebroadcast(s) with the referenced sequence number(s), then the messageserver may transmit the missing information or have it re-broadcast asappropriate.

Transaction Exchanges—FIGS. 4 and 5

Advantageously, the present inventions allow wireless units to make useof the broadcast functionality of the wireless network to engage ininformation exchanges, and particularly, to engage in transactionexchanges. In the course of these transaction exchanges, no uniquenetwork address (UNA) nor Mobitex access number (MAN) is assigned, butthe generic access numbers may be made use of.

A transaction exchange also may be referred to as a transaction-orientedinformation exchange. Such an exchange may include:

-   -   Short inquiry services such as weather reports, stock quotes,        sports scores, breaking news stories, joke-of-the-day, etc.    -   Wireless electronic commerce and on-line shopping    -   Short point-to-point messaging

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of message flow during a transactionexchange initiated by a wireless device. Assume for this example thatthe subscriber associated with the wireless device 30 desires to ordersome merchandise on-line. The subscriber uses the wireless device 30 tosend an Activation Request containing specific information for thetransaction. For example, the transaction information may include anindicator such as a control code that alerts elements of the wirelessnetwork that the information relates to a transaction. The transactioninformation also may include product number and credit card information.The transaction information may be contained in a field of theActivation Request such as the service provider information field. For asender address associated with the Activation Request, a randomlygenerated GAN may be used.

As indicated by arrow 82, the Activation Request is transmitted from thewireless device 30 through the network 18 to an activation gateway 14.In response to receipt of the Activation Request, the activation gatewayreconciles the appropriate information into an Authorization Request. Asindicated by arrow 84, the activation gateway 14 transmits theAuthorization Request to the message server 22. The message server 22reformats the appropriate information into a Transaction Request.

As indicated by arrow 86, the message 22 sends the Transaction Requestto a transaction exchange 80 (which may be a transaction exchange serveror other appropriate element for conducting the transaction). Thetransaction exchange 80 may be accessed through the wireless network asindicated or otherwise. The transaction exchange 80 processes thetransaction, which may be approved or denied. In some cases, additionalinformation may be sought from the subscriber or information may simplybe provided to the subscriber. After processing the transaction, thetransaction exchange 80 creates a Transaction Response, which mayinclude a specific response code to indicate the result of thetransaction processing. In addition, the Transaction Response mayinclude information related to the transaction exchange such aswarranty, delivery, or other information or questions for thesubscriber.

As indicated by arrow 88, the transaction exchange 80 transmits theTransaction Response to the message server 22, which reformats theappropriate information into an Authorization Denial that contains a“permanent denial”.

As indicated by arrow 90, the message server 22 transmits theAuthorization Denial to the activation gateway 14, which reformats theappropriate information into an Activation Response.

As indicated by arrow 92, the activation gateway 14 transmits theActivation Response through the network 18 to the wireless device 30.The Activation Response includes the randomly selected generic accessnumber (GAN) initialized transmitted from the wireless device 30.

Advantageously, the inventions allow service providers to engage intransaction exchanges. An example of a transaction exchange a serviceprovider may desire to engage is request for wireless devices (or theirassociated subscribers) to “call home”, i.e., to contact the serviceprovider.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of message flow during a transactionexchange initiated by a service provider. To begin the exchange, theservice provider may cause the transaction exchange 80 to create aTransaction Request including the appropriate information such as themanufacturer's serial number (MSN)/hardware serial number (HSN) of theaddressed wireless devices. The Transaction Request may include otherinformation such as instructions or requests made of the wirelessdevices or their subscribers.

As indicated by arrow 100, the transaction exchange 80 transmits theTransaction Request to the message server 22, which reformats theappropriate information into a Fleet Control Request (FCB).

As indicated by arrow 102, the message server 22 transmits the FCB tothe activation gateway 14, which reformats the appropriate informationinto a Fleet Information Broadcast (FIB). The activation gateway 14, asindicated by action 14, transmits the FIB through the network 18 to thebase stations serving the addressed wireless units.

As noted above in connection with FIG. 2, in some embodiments, themessage server 14 may communicate directly with the wireless networkwithout actions by the activation gateway. In this example illustratedin FIG. 5, if the activation gateway 14 is left out, then the messageserver 22 reformats the information in the Transaction Request receivedfrom the transaction exchange 80 into a FIB, and routes the FIB throughthe network 18 to the base stations.

The remainder of the actions associated with the transaction exchangeinitiated by the service provider parallel the actions in thetransaction exchange initiated by the wireless device. Thus, the actionsof arrows 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, and 116 in FIG. 5 comparerespectively to actions 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, and 92 of FIG. 4 describedabove.

Session Exchanges

Advantageously, the inventions allow a wireless device to engage insession exchanges such as 2-way messaging and Web-based game playing. Toengage in a session exchange, a wireless device must be assigned aunique access number (UAN). The present inventions allow a wirelessdevice to be temporarily assigned a UAN.

To initiate the session exchange, a wireless device takes actions toobtain a UAN per the wireless subscription management (WSM) system orotherwise. Upon approval, a UAN is assigned to the wireless device, butonly with a “time-to-live” allowance. When the time expires, thewireless device effectively is inactivated because the UAN is reclaimedby the activation gateway. Inactivation of the wireless device simplyreturns it to its broadcast mode. The wireless device cannot terminatethe use of the UAN earlier than the “time-to-live” nor can the wirelessdevice extend the “time-to-live”. If the wireless device is to continueto engage in the session exchange, then the wireless device re-registerswith the service provider or other entity, and applies for a new UAN.

With the UAN, even if it is limited by a “time-to-live” allowance, thewireless device may engage in a session exchange. While the wirelessdevice is engaged in the session exchange through use of the UAN, thewireless device may continue to receive broadcasts addressed to a BAN ofthe wireless device because the BAN is used as one of the possible sevengroup access numbers (GANs) in the wireless device.

Exemplary Packet Formats for Broadcast Messages—FIGS. 6A and 6B

In the Mobitex network and in other wireless networks, data packettechnology is used to transmit the messages between and among elements,and to ultimately delivery information to the appropriate destination.(Of course, other technology may be used to implement the inventions ofthis application.) The exemplary embodiments of the inventions describedin this application implement a data packet format similar to thatimplemented in the wireless subscription management (WSM) system. As inthe WSM system, the packets in the exemplary embodiments includeprotocol overhead for octets 1 to 31 and include data fields from octet32.

The exemplary packets may include the following information in theprotocol overhead octets 1 to 31:

-   -   Octets 1-11: Regular MPAK field. The sender address is the AN        (or MAN) of the activation gateway, and the destination address        is a BAN (or BMAN).    -   Octet 12: HPID. The HPID of 127 is used.    -   Octet 13: Packet type. For the FIB packet (explained below),        this octet is set to 10 (ASCII number). For the FCB and FCR        packets (also explained below), this octet is set to 11 and 12,        respectively.    -   Octets 14-29: Network Routing Information. This information is        to be provided by the message server based on the instructions        from the scheduler.    -   Octets 30-31: Broadcast Protocol ID is set to 1.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary packet formats used for some of thebroadcasts (also referred to as messages or broadcast messages)described herein) such as the Fleet Information Broadcast (FIB), theFleet Control Broadcast (FCB), and the Fleet Control Response (FCR). Ofthese three broadcasts, the FIB and the FCB are unidirectional from themessage server and are broadcast to broadcast access numbers (BANs) onselected base stations. The third broadcast, the FCR, can only be sentin response to the FCB, and can only be sent from the wireless device tothe message server.

The exemplary embodiments of the inventions described herein were chosenand described above in order to explain the principles of the inventionsand their practical application so as to enable others skilled in theart to utilities the inventions including the various embodiments andvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.The examples provided herein in the written description or in thedrawings are not intended as limitations of the inventions. Otherembodiments will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art.Therefore, the scope of the inventions is to be limited only by theclaims below.

1. A method, comprising: registering with a service provider byselecting a generic access number (GAN) and transmitting the GAN as wellas a hardware serial number (HSN) to a service provider; receiving aregistration response comprising the generic access number (GAN), abroadcast access number (BAN), and multiple identifications of multipleradio channels; switching a wireless device to each radio channelidentified in the registration response; measuring a signal strength ofeach radio channel received at the wireless device; sending from thewireless device another request including the signal strength of eachradio channel; receiving a broadcast over the radio channel with thebroadcast including data associated with the BAN; and monitoring theradio channel and using the BAN to access the data associated with theBAN from the broadcast over the radio channel.
 2. A method according toclaim 1, further comprising determining whether the data comprises apoint-to-point message.
 3. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising determining whether the data comprises a serial number fieldincluding a non-zero value matching a serial number.
 4. A methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising determining whether the datacomprises a serial number field including a non-zero value that fails tomatch a serial number.
 5. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising receiving the broadcast during a lull period with respect tocommunications traffic.
 6. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising receiving a service status, the service status comprising thegeneric access number (GAN), the broadcast access number, and a serviceinformation data field identifying the radio channel.
 7. A methodaccording to claim 6, further comprising: switching to the radio channelidentified in the service status; entering a broadcast mode; andincluding the BAN in a group list.
 8. A method according to claim 7,wherein when the service status indicates service is unavailable, thenmaintaining the wireless device on a current channel and in anactivation mode.
 9. A device, comprising: means for selecting a genericaccess number (GAN) from multiple generic access numbers; means fortransmitting the GAN and a hardware serial number (HSN) as aregistration request to a service provider; means for receiving aregistration response comprising the generic access number (GAN), abroadcast access number (BAN), and multiple identifications of multipleradio channels; means for switching a wireless device to each radiochannel identified in the registration response; means for measuring asignal strength of each radio channel received at the wireless device;means for sending from the wireless device another request including thesignal strength of each radio channel; means for receiving a broadcastover a radio channel with the broadcast inc1uding data associated withthe BAN; and means for monitoring the radio channel and using the BAN toaccess the data associated with the BAN from the broadcast over theradio channel.
 10. A device according to claim 9, futher comprisingmeans for determining whether the data comprises a point-to-pointmessage.
 11. A device according to claim 9, further comprising means fordetermining whether the data comprises a serial number field including anon-zero value matching a serial number.
 12. A device according to claim9, further comprising means for determining whether the data comprises aserial number field including a non-zero value that fails to match aserial number.
 13. A device according to claim 9, further comprisingmeans for receiving the broadcast during a lull period with respect tocommunications traffic.
 14. A device according to claim 9, furthercomprising means for receiving a service status, the service statuscomprising the generic access number (GAN), the broadcast access number,and a service information data field identifying the radio channel. 15.A device according to claim 14, further comprising; means for switchingto the radio channel identified in the service status; means forentering a broadcast mode; and means for including the BAN in a grouplist.
 16. A device according to claim 15, wherein when the servicestatus indicates service is unavailable, then maintaining the wirelessdevice on a current channel and in an activation mode.